Civil War music usually fell into one of several
categories: songs to rally the troops, spirituals
sung by slaves, songs sung by families at home,
and songs that reflected the homesickness many soldiers
felt. The sheet music pictured is typical of this
genre. George R. Root was one of the most prolific
and enduring songwriters of the Civil War; while
many songs of that era have faded into obscurity,
songs such as the “The Battle Cry of Freedom”
have remained in the collective memory of many Americans.
Stonewall Jackson’s Way, by J. W. Palmer
National Portrait Gallery,
Smithsonian Institution
The Battle Cry
of Freedom, by George F. Root
Tenting To Night, by Walter Kitteredge
Our Generals Quick Step, by C. S. Grafulla
All Quiet Along the Potomac To-Night,
by Lamar Fontaine
|
